Nigeria, Feb. 29 -- Tributes have trailed the death of an exemplary Catholic priest described by many as "a friend of the poor" in Nigeria, whose charisma was born at a time the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN) was just beginning.

Fr Joseph Zi Mancha, a renowned charismatic priest, who chose evangelical poverty amid a growing tendency for "healers" to be obsessed with riches, began his ministry in the then Jos Diocese, which now comprises Bauchi, Shendam, Pankshin, and parts of Kafanchan and Lafia over 40 years ago.

Referring to him as "a household name and friend of the poor," a priest of Kafachan Diocese and Parochial Administrator, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish Sun City, Arizona, Fr William Abba, stated that Fr Mancha "was...